Money is the missing clue in most investigations

KARACHI: A dearth of funds for the investigation department of Sindh police is badly affecting cases’ investigations. In a city like Karachi where crime is rampant, the attention and resources being diverted to curbing crime should be high on the government’s priority list. However, a limited budget means that investigative officials are unable to dig deep into cases and almost always, they are unable to collect enough evidence for convictions. Solving a case has become almost an anomaly in the department.

Well-placed sources in the department said that even for big cases such as murders or terrible accidents, the money allocated for investigation is just Rs20,000.  This sum is handed over when and if the case yields actual results such as arrests of the culprits or finding of the murder weapon. The initial costs have to be borne by the investigation officers, who always have the fear that their ‘investment’ might not be reimbursed.

The most worrying is the amount allocated for investigation of bomb blasts, which is Rs20,000. The amount remains the same whether there are lives lost in the explosion or not.

Similarly, the budget for investigating cases of kidnapping for ransom is also Rs20,000. Robberies are classified into two categories: if there are one to four suspects, the crime is registered under section 392 of Pakistan Penal Code and is defined as ‘robbery’. If five or more suspects are involved, it is called a ‘dacoity’ and is filed under section 395. Investigation officers looking into robbery and dacoity cases are given Rs11,000.

Cases of theft can also be of three degrees: if somebody is robbed on the road or outside, the case is filed under section 379, stealing from a house or from another four-wall enclosure is filed under section 380 while theft of cars and motorcycles is filed under section 381-A.  All kinds of theft must be investigated at a cost of Rs6,000 or under. Meanwhile, Rs1,000 is the sum allocated for inquiries into illegal possession of weapons.

Even though the department’s budget was recently upped by 65 per cent, sources felt that the increase was just not enough. Especially since the officials only get the money if the investigation is completed. If investigation remains incomplete, the officers are given 20 per cent less than the allocated amount.

The sources said that the department SSP has the authority to make a bill for expenses incurred and then send it to the Accountant General Sindh after which, the money is transferred into the account of the SSP Investigation.

Sources alleged that the officials who actually investigate the case are often given less than half of the amount.

Other officials who help in the investigation receive almost nothing or a negligible amount depending on the investigation officer’s discretion. If they want some compensation they have to repeatedly visit the investigation officer’s office.

The fact that sometimes these officials end up paying for the costs of investigation themselves is demoralising. As one official told Daily Express, it is no easy feat to carry out an investigation these days. “It is not possible that you look into big and small cases without spending any money,” he said, explaining how there are several expensive tests they need to carry out or how they might have to travel vast distances on the search for suspects. “Even the most heinous of crimes are not given the required budget,” he added.

No funds for forensics

Due to this, the police department is unable to focus on forensics despite the fact that a forensic investigation helps solve crimes.

“The importance of a medico-legal procedure in cases pertaining to human rights cannot be ignored. In all cases of violence against women and children - including murder, rape, sodomy, abuse and torture - a medico-legal report plays a vital role in helping courts arrive at the right decision,” says Advocate Zia Awan.

Dr Hamid Jillani, a former assistant police surgeon, agrees. He adds that the system needs to be improved by introducing modern techniques for medico legal examination and by training MLOs.

“For this, a modern forensic laboratory has also been set up in Karachi, “ says DIG forensics Sharjil Kharal, adding that similar facilities will be available in other districts across the province soon. “The importance of forensic investigation must be realised due to an increasing number of terrorism-related cases and other sophisticated crimes.”

However, it is less likely that the Sindh government would be willing to re-prioritise its expenditures and divert funds where they are needed most. ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM PPI

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2010.